2009 Honda Pilot Review

The 2009 Honda Pilot has a very distinct, boxy style, not unlike the Dodge Nitro SUV. You could almost say that it is a macho vehicle, given its lack of exterior curves. Once you step inside the Pilot, you will be impressed by the roomy interior. This version is slightly taller and wider than the 2008 version, which means that it can seat a maximum of eight people, but six is a better number as far as comfort is concerned. A person sitting in the middle row gets the advantage of a 28 mm increase in leg room, while passengers sitting in the third row will appreciate the additional 48 mm.

The Pilot's cargo capacity is also bigger in the 2009 update. Buyers will have 20 cubic feet of space if the third row of seats is in place. If the third row of seats is dropped, you get just under 48 cubic feet, and taking out the second row of seats means that you will have 87 cubic feet to work with. In addition, you can open the rear window while leaving the tailgate closed, which means that transporting building materials is a lot easier than with other types of vehicles.

Adjust your steering wheel by using the tilt and telescoping adjustment function. The audio system is a good one and the Pilot's navigation system is easy to use. Designers have chosen to use a fair amount of plastic in the interior, which might not appeal to the consumer who expected more of an upgrade when they are looking to buy an SUV.

Powering the Pilot is a 3.5 L V6 engine. It provides 250 hp, which means that you will be able to pull up to 4,500 lbs. The five-speed automatic transmission includes a feature called Grade Logic, which puts the vehicle in a lower gear when going up hills and helps with braking on the way down the other side. On a smooth piece of highway, the Variable Cylinder Management feature kicks in to shut down a couple of cylinders automatically.

This ability to adapt to different driving conditions means that buyers of this SUV will get a break on their fuel consumption rates. On the highway, you will be looking at getting 23 mpg and 17 mpg for city driving. The MSRP for the 2009 Honda Pilot is set at between $36,820 and $49,920.